Leading the Saudi Arabian team, Roberto Mancini determined to win the 2023 Asian Cup

Having played an important role in helping Italy win Euro 2020, Roberto Mancini is determined to become the first coach to win championships in two different continents when he affirmed this goal at the signing ceremony of the head coach contract with the Saudi Arabian team, witnessed by the president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) Yasser Al Misehal.

Saudi Arabian Football Federation President Yasser Al Misehal and Coach Mancini

Saudi Arabia have failed to qualify for the Asian Cup for 26 years and will be hoping to improve their poor form by appointing Roberto Mancini, a tactician who has enjoyed great success in Europe. The former Italy striker has won three Serie A titles with Inter Milan, a Premier League title with Manchester City and the European Championship with Italy in the summer of 2021.

Roberto Mancini helps Italy win Euro 2020 after 52 years

On August 13, Roberto Mancini submitted his resignation to the Italian Football Federation, although his contract as head coach of the national team was still valid until 2026. After that, Mancini was assigned the responsibility of coordinating all activities of the Italian U20 and U21 teams, but he continued to refuse. Not yet satisfied with Mancini's withdrawal, people were even more shocked when they learned that he decided to join the Saudi Arabian football village shortly after.

The Italian team, who just won Euro 2020, failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

Many public opinions criticize Mancini for following the call of money from the Middle Eastern oil country, but how many people understand the sadness of the coach who missed out on a place to attend the 2022 World Cup at the last minute and in recent months continuously lost close friends such as Gianluca Vialli and Sinisa Mihajlovic?

Roberto Mancini's feelings, who can understand?

Saudi Arabia, who defeated Argentina – the eventual world champions – in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup, have been without a head coach since Herve Renard returned to lead the French women's team to compete in the 2023 Women's World Cup. Speaking after taking over as head coach, Roberto Mancini affirmed: "It is an honour to be invited to lead the Saudi Arabian national team, a great opportunity to experience football in a new country, especially with the growing popularity of football across Asia. The presence of top players in the Saudi Pro League shows the potential for development of this country's football, increasing the chances of future success at all levels, hopefully including the 2024 Asian Cup championship."

Saudi Arabia shocked by defeating Argentina at World Cup 2022

Mancini is expected to take charge of Saudi Arabia's first match on September 8 in a friendly against Costa Rica at Newcastle's St James' Park. The oil-rich nation will have another friendly against South Korea, also scheduled to take place in England on September 12.

A video posted to the Saudi Arabian national team's Twitter account shows a smartly dressed Mancini declaring: "I made history in Europe, now it's time to make history with Saudi Arabia in Asia."

Mancini determined to help Saudi Arabia win the 2023 Asian Cup

Mancini's contract is for four years, meaning he will likely lead the Saudi Arabian team until after the 2026 World Cup. A source close to the Saudi Arabian Football Federation said, "SAFF is very optimistic about having Mancini lead the national team."

The salary of 25 million euros/year in Saudi Arabia is 6 times higher than the income that Roberto Mancini receives in the Italian national team. He becomes the second highest paid strategist in the world, after coach Diego Simeone, who is receiving a salary of 42 million euros/year at Atletico Madrid.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/the-thao/dan-dat-tuyen-a-rap-saudi-roberto-mancini-quyet-vo-dich-asian-cup-2023-2023082910160412.htm